Supporters of legalizing marijuana can gather signatures

HELENA — Supporters of an effort to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Montana can begin gathering signatures.

The secretary of state said Thursday that the attorney general has approved the language for Initiative 178.

Supporters have to gather signatures from at least 5 percent of registered voters in each of 34 House districts, with a total of at least 24,175 signatures, for the measure to appear on the November 2016 general election ballot.

The measure would legalize marijuana use for people ages 21 and over, would allow for the commercial sale of marijuana and marijuana-infused products and place a 20 percent excise tax on sales. The initiative expects the excise tax and licensing fees would generate about $37 million over five years, while the measure would cost the state about $10.9 million in administrative expenses and other costs.

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